Sand Based Jewelry

ABSTRACT

A sand based jewelry and methods of making sand based jewelry is provided. The jewelry having a quantity of sand mixed with a quantity of binding medium. The binding medium and sand mixture are capable of being solidified and mounted to a jewelry setting. The jewelry setting attached to a jewelry item.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to jewelry. More particularly,the present invention relates to jewelry comprising sand particlesimmobilized in a cured binding medium.

Description of Related Art

Sand frequently has sentimental value because it is often found at beachdestinations or other locations having sentimental value. People oftensave sand from memorable places as a way to remember and commemoratespecial experiences.

Often, saved sand may be incorporated into decorative home items such asjars, candles, picture frames, and the like. However, these items sufferfrom the shortcoming of being large, heavy, and non-portable. Indeed,such items are designed for home or office decoration because of thedensity of sand and the amount of sand generally required to benoticeable.

Therefore, what is needed is a way to display memorable sand havingsentimental value in a portable and decorative fashion.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter of this application may involve, in some cases,interrelated products, alternative solutions to a particular problem,and/or a plurality of different uses of a single system or article.

In one aspect, a sand based jewelry is provided. The sand based jewelrycomprises a quantity of sand, and a quantity of liquid binding mediumcapable of being solidified when cured. The sand and binding medium aremixed when the binding medium is in a liquid state, forming a mixture. Ajewelry setting is provided capable of receiving the mixture of the sandand binding medium, the jewelry setting may be attached to a jewelryitem.

In another aspect, a method of forming sand-based jewelry is provided.The method comprises the steps of selecting a quantity of sand;selecting a quantity of liquid binding medium capable of beingsolidified to a solid state; mixing the quantity of sand and thequantity of binding medium forming a mixture; curing the mixture tosolidify the binding medium; and mounting the mixture into a jewelrysetting.

In yet another aspect, a method of forming sand-based jewelry isprovided. The method comprises the steps of selecting a quantity ofsand; processing the quantity of sand; selecting a quantity of liquidbinding medium capable of being solidified to a solid state; mixing thequantity of sand and the quantity of binding medium forming a mixture;curing the mixture to solidify the binding medium; sanding the curedmixture; filling in any divots of the cured mixture; polishing the curedmixture; mounting the mixture into a jewelry setting, before or aftercuring; and attaching the jewelry setting to a jewelry item.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 provides an embodiment of sand based jewelry is provided.

FIG. 2 provides another embodiment of sand based jewelry. In thisembodiment, the jewelry is shown as earrings.

FIG. 3 provides a detail view of a jewelry setting of the sand basedjewelry.

FIG. 4 provides a figure showing an embodiment of a method of makingsand based jewelry.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appendeddrawings is intended as a description of presently preferred embodimentsof the invention and does not represent the only forms in which thepresent invention may be constructed and/or utilized. The descriptionsets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing andoperating the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments.

Generally, the present invention concerns sand based jewelry and methodsof making sand based jewelry. The jewelry may comprise a quantity ofsand particles mixed into a binding medium. This sand and binding mediummixture may be secured in a jewelry setting and the setting may beincorporated into a jewelry item.

The sand based jewelry of the present invention may utilize a quantityof sand as the central decorative element. The sand may be of anyparticle size and composition that may allow the sand to be distributedthroughout a binding medium.

Typically, the sand may be comprised of mostly silica, however, thecontent of the sand may vary greatly depending on the original sandlocation.

The term sand is defined herein to refer to fairly fine granularparticles that are found predominantly in nature. Typical sources forthe sand contemplated herein may include beaches, lakes, rivers, ponds,baseball stadiums, golf courses, and the like.

The sand may be comprised of any variety of different minerals. In oneembodiment, the sand is comprised of mostly silica. In varyingembodiments, the sand may comprise different amounts of coral, crushedshell, limestone, gypsum, feldspar, clay, and a plurality of otherminerals that may provide a unique sand coloration, particle size,texture and appearance. The present invention may further use anygranular material for the jewelry creation. Granular material mayinclude organic and inorganic matter, such as naturally occurringmaterials which may be ground, cut, pulverized or otherwise separatedinto granular material or powder. For example, materials such as leaves,sand, bark, soil, ashes, hair, combinations of materials, and the likemay also be particulate matter used in the present invention. Generally,any granular material that is a conglomeration of discrete solid,macroscopic particles may be used as the “sand” or “granular material”of the present invention. While the present invention is discussedherein generally referring to “sand,” it should be understood that anygranular material may be substituted without straying from the scope ofthis invention.

The sand may be of any particle size that may be mixed into a bindingmedium and incorporated into a jewelry item. In the event that aquantity of sand has particles too large for a particular jewelryapplication, the sand particles may be ground down to a more appropriatesize. Grinding device may be used to grind the sand, including a mortarand pestle, or a mechanized grinding device.

In one embodiment, the sand may be washed using various washing methodsto remove impurities such as salt, chemicals, or organic material. Thewashing may be performed with a fluid such as water, and may be a batchor continuous process.

The sand may be mixed into a binding medium, which may then besolidified, forming a cured mixture which may immobilize the sand withinthe cured binding medium. The binding medium may be any liquid that sandmay be mixed into and that may be later solidified under standardatmospheric conditions. The solid mass thus formed may serve as anornament for jewelry.

Typically the binding medium may be an epoxy curable by heat,atmospheric conditions, or ultraviolet (UV) radiation, however, othercurable substances may work equally well. Specific examples of bidingmediums may include Devcon® Epoxy Resin, Devcon® 5 minute fast dryingepoxy, Lisa Pavelka's Magic Glos®, UV curable resin, and colorless epoxyresin. Other binding mediums may include enamel, as well as kiln firedenamel, precious metal clay, and the like. In some embodiments, thebinding medium and sand mixture may be exposed to high heat such as anopen flame after it has cured. This high heat may liquefy or partiallyliquefy a top layer of the cured mixture, allowing it to settle, fillingany holes or divots, and making a smoother, even top layer once the heatis removed.

In one embodiment, the binding medium may be viscous enough to preventthe sand from rapidly sinking to the bottom of the vessel having thebinding medium and sand. In this embodiment, the viscous binding mediummay allow the sand to be distributed through it in a unique and stylizedmanner, or evenly, depending on the desired appearance of the structure.

In another embodiment, the binding medium may be selected to form asolid mass that may be polished. Typically this will require the solidmass to have a high hardness to withstand the polishing and provide apolished finish.

In yet another embodiment, the binding medium may be substantiallytransparent when cured. In another embodiment, the binding medium may besubstantially translucent when cured. In still another embodiment, acolorant may be added to the binding medium to color it once cured.

The quantity of sand mixed into the binding medium may vary depending onthe desired appearance of the solidified cured mixture. In oneembodiment, a 50/50 mixture of sand and binding medium by volume may beused. It should be understood that different composition ratios may beused depending on the desired final appearance.

The sand based jewelry may further comprise a jewelry setting toreceive, or be attached to, the sand-binding medium mixture. In oneembodiment, the jewelry setting may receive the mixture before curing,when in a liquid state. In another embodiment, the jewelry setting mayreceive the mixture after curing, when in a solid state. In thisembodiment, the solid mixture may be cut and shaped before beingreceived by the jewelry setting. The jewelry setting may be made of anymaterial that may be decorative, capable of mounting to a jewelry item,and capable, both physically and chemically, of receiving the sand andbinding medium mixture. Materials of which the jewelry setting may bemade include, but are not limited to plastics, metal coated plastics,metals and preferably precious metals such as silver, gold, platinum,and the like.

The jewelry setting may be any setting known in the art. In embodimentswherein the sand-binding medium mixture is cured before mounting in thejewelry setting, the solid mass may be mounted to the jewelry setting aswould be a typical jewelry stone.

In embodiments wherein the sand-binding medium mixture is cured afterbeing set in the jewelry setting, the binding medium may be placed inthe jewelry setting, its proper appearance being ensured, and thencured. In this embodiment, the binding medium may additionally serve toact as an adhesive to the jewelry setting.

Jewelry settings may be any structures known in the art to set jewelry,as well as custom designed settings to receive the binding medium beforeit is cured. By way of non-limiting example, jewelry settings mayinclude bezel settings, prong settings, channel settings, bead settings,burnish settings, and pave settings, among others.

The jewelry setting may be attached to a jewelry item. The attachment ofthe two may thus form the complete sand based jewelry. The jewelry itemmay be any item that allows attachment of the jewelry to a wearer, tothe wearer's clothing, or to the wearer's accessories. Types of jewelryitems contemplated herein may include earrings and other stems for bodypiercings, necklace chains, bracelets and bracelet chains, clasps, cufflinks, rings, buttons, brooches, and belt buckles, among other things.

It should be understood that the present invention is not intended to belimited solely to jewelry. The jewelry item that the jewelry setting maybe attached to is defined broadly and may refer to related accessoriessuch as key chains, watches, hair accessories and the like, in additionto traditional jewelry items.

In varying embodiments, the sand-based jewelry may have the immobilizedsand portion flush with the jewelry setting, protruding out of thejewelry setting, or inset somewhat into the jewelry setting.

In an embodiment having the immobilized sand and binding medium mixtureinset into the jewelry setting, the mixture may form a concave shape,being flush or nearly flush with the jewelry setting at a perimeter, andbeing below the top of the jewelry setting at the center. As such, thisinset embodiment forms a shape that extends into a void defined by thejewelry setting. Preferably this concave shape is in a smooth and evencontour. When being produced, a quantity of binding medium and sand isplaced in the jewelry setting, the quantity being small enough to notfill the setting completely, such that the volume of the mixture is lessthan a volume defined by the jewelry setting. An adhesion between thebinding medium and the edges of the setting causes the binding mediummixture to be higher and closer to the top of the jewelry setting edges.At a center, away from any edges, the binding medium mixture will settleto be lower than the top of the jewelry setting edges. A thin layer ofthe binding medium without sand mixed in may be spread over a top of thecured (or uncured) binding medium and sand mixture. Once cured, thebinding medium and/or binding medium mixture may be exposed to heat suchas an open flame, which may melt a portion of the cured binding medium.Once cooled, the binding medium will fill in any divots or holes,leaving a very smooth finish.

A method of creating sand-based jewelry is provided. The method maycomprise the steps of selecting sand, selecting a binding medium, mixingthe sand and binding medium, curing the mixture, mounting the mixture toa jewelry setting, and attaching the jewelry setting to a jewelry item.

In one embodiment, the step of selecting sand may be performed by ajewelry maker. In another embodiment, the step of selecting sand may beperformed by a purchaser of the jewelry. The sand selected may generallybe of any composition and particle size that may be mixed into a bindingmedium and incorporated into a jewelry item. In the event that the sandparticle size is exceptionally large, the step of selecting the sand mayfurther include the step of processing the sand to reduce its particlesize.

In one embodiment, the step of processing the sand may involve crushingthe sand particles with a mortar and pestle.

The method of creating sand-based jewelry may further comprise the stepof washing the sand. This step may be particularly useful in embodimentswhere the sand is selected from a beach because sand from a beach mayhave a high salt content because of its proximity to salt water. Thestep of washing the sand may involve any process to remove salt from thesand. In one embodiment, a fluid may be mixed with the sand to dissolvethe salt or other impurities. In a further embodiment, water may bemixed with the sand to dissolve the impurities. After mixing, the fluidmay be poured off and the sand allowed to dry.

The step of selecting the medium may consider factors including the typeof sand used, desired appearance and shape of the final cured mixture,and the type of jewelry to be created. In one embodiment the step ofselecting the binding medium may take into account the color andconsistency of the sand selected to best match the sand and the “feel”sought for the jewelry. In another embodiment, the step of selecting thebinding medium may be based on the intended design of the jewelry. Forexample, in a jewelry design wherein the sand and binding medium mixtureis inset into the jewelry and flush with the surface of the jewelrysetting, an epoxy bonding medium may be selected. In another example, ina jewelry design where the sand and binding mixture is intended toprotrude above the surface of the jewelry, a UV cured resin may beselected.

The step of mixing the sand and binding medium may be performed in anymanner to effectively distribute the sand throughout the binding medium.In one embodiment, the step of mixing may be done on a large scale inlarge mixing vessels or mixing machines. In another embodiment, themixing may be performed on a small scale by mixing just enough sand andbinding medium to form the necessary sand-binding medium mixture for anindividual jewelry setting. It should be understood that various amountsof sand and binding medium may be mixed without straying from the scopeof the invention.

The step of mixing the sand may employ varying ratios of sand andbinding medium. In one embodiment, the ratio may be 50/50 by volume ofsand to binding medium.

The step of curing the mixture may be performed in any fashion that mayallow the particular binding medium to cure. For example, an epoxybinding medium may be allowed to cure under standard atmosphericconditions, or under the application of heat or a vacuum. In oneembodiment, the curing process may be performed in approximately 10hours. In another embodiment where a UV cured resin is selected, curingmay be performed by exposing the mixture to a UV radiation source. TheUV radiation source may include, among others, black lights, orspecialized UV lamps.

In one embodiment, the sand and binding medium mixture may be added to ajewelry setting when in a liquid form, and then cured. In anotherembodiment, the mixture may be cured, and then mounted to the jewelrysetting. In embodiments where the curing is performed before mounting tothe jewelry setting, the method may include the further step of cuttingthe cured sand mixture to a desired shape to compliment the jewelrysetting.

After curing, the method may include the step of polishing the sand andbinding medium mixture. This step may comprise any process that mayeffectively polish the cured mixture. In one embodiment, the polishingis a three step sanding process using progressively finer sandingmaterials.

In another embodiment, the additional step of sanding the cured mixturemay be included in the polishing step. The step of sanding may removeany larger imperfections and allow for more complete polishing. In oneembodiment, the step of sanding the cured mixture may be a three stepprocess using 30 grit sand paper, 25 grit sand paper, and 9 grit sandpaper, to progressively smooth the cured mixture.

In a particular embodiment, the step of sanding may comprise the stepsof wet lapidary sanding, and hand sanding. These steps may occur beforethe step of polishing the cured mixture. This embodiment may beparticularly useful when the cured sand and binding medium mixture isset in a bezel setting and flush with a top of the setting.

In still another embodiment, the additional step of filling any holes ordivots may be included in the sanding step. Divots may be formed, forexample, by removal of one or a plurality of sand particles in thesanding or curing process. In one embodiment, the step of filling anyholes or divots may be performed by adding a layer of un-mixed bindingmedium to the divots, and curing the binding medium.

The step of mounting the mixture to a jewelry setting may be performedin any manner that effectively mounts the cured or un-cured mixture to ajewelry setting. In one embodiment, the un-cured, liquid mixture ispoured or otherwise inserted into a bezel setting. In a furtherembodiment, a first layer of mixture is poured into a jewelry setting,cured, and then a second layer is poured over the first layer and cured.In another embodiment, the mixture is cured, cut and then mounted to ajewelry setting.

The step of attaching the jewelry setting to a jewelry item may beperformed in any manner that may secure the jewelry setting to thedesired jewelry item intended to be formed. In one embodiment, a linkmay join the jewelry setting to a necklace, bracelet or earring. Inanother embodiment, the jewelry setting may be fused to the jewelryitem, for example if the jewelry item is a ring or cufflink.

In embodiments where the sand selected contains impurities, the methodmay include the further step of washing the sand to remove theimpurities. In one embodiment, the step of washing may be performed in abatch process by soaking the sand in a fluid such as water, and pouringoff the fluid once, or a number of times. In another embodiment, thesand may be washed in a continuous process.

Turning now to FIG. 1 an embodiment of sand based jewelry is provided.In this embodiment, the jewelry is shown as a bracelet. A quantity ofsand 101 is immobilized in a cured binding medium 102. The sand 101 andbinding medium 102 are set in a jewelry setting 103, shown here as acircular bezel setting. The jewelry setting 103 is in turn attached to ajewelry item 104 by a link 105.

FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of sand based jewelry. In thisembodiment, the jewelry is shown as earrings. A quantity of sand 201 isimmobilized in a cured binding medium 202. The sand 201 and bindingmedium 202 are set in a jewelry setting 203, shown here as a rectangularbezel setting. The jewelry setting 203 is in turn attached to a jewelryitem 204 by a ring 205 formed by the jewelry item 204.

FIG. 3 provides a detail view of a jewelry setting of the sand basedjewelry. A quantity of sand 101 is immobilized in a cured binding medium102. The sand 101 and binding medium 102 are set in a jewelry setting103. In this embodiment, the sand 101 and binding medium 102 mixtureextends out of the jewelry setting 103 to form a “bubble.”

FIG. 4 provides a figure showing an embodiment of a method of makingsand based jewelry. The initial step involves selecting sand. This stepmay involve selecting an appropriate quantity of sand for the jewelry,and additionally may involve selecting an appropriate type of sand forthe jewelry. Next the selected sand is washed. The step of washing thesand may serve to remove soluble impurities in the sand. Next a bindingmedium may be selected. The sand and binding medium are mixed, andcured. The mixture, either before or after curing is set into a jewelrysetting. This jewelry setting is attached to a jewelry item such as abracelet, earring or the like. Finally, in the event that the jewelryrequires multiple layers of the sand and binding medium mixture, thesteps may be repeated until the jewelry achieves its desired structure.Finally the cured mixture is polished.

While several variations of the present invention have been illustratedby way of example in preferred or particular embodiments, it is apparentthat further embodiments could be developed within the spirit and scopeof the present invention, or the inventive concept thereof. However, itis to be expressly understood that such modifications and adaptationsare within the spirit and scope of the present invention, and areinclusive, but not limited to the following appended claims as setforth.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of forming granular material basedjewelry comprising the steps of: selecting a quantity of granularmaterial; selecting a quantity of binding medium capable of being curedto a solid state, the step of selecting comprising: selecting thebinding medium to be translucent or transparent when cured; mixing thequantity of granular material and the quantity of binding medium forminga mixture; mounting the mixture to a jewelry setting; curing the mixtureto solidify the binding medium; and adding a second layer of the mixtureafter the curing step.
 2. The method of forming granular material basedjewelry of claim 1 wherein the granular material is sand.
 3. The methodof forming granular material based jewelry of claim 1 further comprisingthe step of attaching the jewelry setting to a jewelry item.
 4. Themethod of forming granular material based jewelry of claim 1 furthercomprising the step of polishing the cured mixture.
 5. The method offorming granular material based jewelry of claim 1 further comprisingthe step of grinding the granular material.
 6. The method of forminggranular material based jewelry of claim 1 further comprising the stepof washing the granular material.
 7. The method of forming granularmaterial based jewelry of claim 1 wherein the step of curing the mixturecomprises exposing the mixture to a quantity of ultra violet radiation.8. A method of forming granular material based jewelry comprising thesteps of: selecting a quantity of granular material; selecting aquantity of binding medium capable of being cured to a solid state;mixing the quantity of granular material and the quantity of bindingmedium forming a mixture; curing the mixture to solidify the bindingmedium thereby immobilizing the quantity of granular material; mountingthe mixture to a jewelry setting; and sanding the cured mixture.
 9. Themethod of forming granular material based jewelry of claim 8 wherein thegranular material is sand.
 10. The method of forming granular materialbased jewelry of claim 8 further comprising the step of cutting thecured mixture.
 11. The method of forming granular material based jewelryof claim 8 wherein the step of selecting a quantity of binding medium isdetermined by the desired appearance and shape of the cured mixture. 12.The method of forming granular material based jewelry of claim 8 furthercomprising the step of polishing the cured mixture.
 13. The method offorming granular material based jewelry of claim 8 further comprisingthe step of washing the granular material.
 14. The method of forminggranular material based jewelry of claim 8 further comprising the stepof adding a second layer of the mixture to the cured mixture.
 15. Themethod of forming granular material based jewelry of claim 8 wherein thestep of curing the mixture comprises exposing the mixture to a quantityof ultra violet radiation.
 16. The method of forming granular materialbased jewelry of claim 8 further comprising the step of heating thecured mixture after the curing step.
 17. A method of forming granularmaterial based jewelry comprising the steps of: selecting a quantity ofgranular material; selecting a quantity of binding medium capable ofbeing cured to a solid state, the step of selecting comprising:selecting the binding medium to be translucent or transparent whencured; mixing the quantity of granular material and the quantity ofbinding medium forming a mixture; curing the mixture to solidify thebinding medium; and mounting the mixture to a jewelry setting.
 18. Themethod of forming granular material based jewelry of claim 17 whereinthe granular material is sand
 19. The method of forming granularmaterial based jewelry of claim 18 wherein the step of mounting themixture to a jewelry setting comprises mounting the mixture to a bezeljewelry setting.
 20. The method of forming granular material basedjewelry of claim 18 further comprising the step of polishing themixture.